Ketamine Wellness Centers (KWC) is excited to now offer SPRAVATO® (esketamine) at select KWC clinics (Houston, Seattle and Las Vegas) for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in adults.
SPRAVATO® is the first FDA-approved nasal spray medication, taken with an oral antidepressant, to treat adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and to treat depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts or actions.
Initially Ketamine Wellness Centers is offering SPRAVATO® as an option to treat treatment-resistant* depression only.
*If you’ve tried two or more antidepressants as prescribed in your current episode without sufficient relief, talk to your healthcare provider to see if you may have treatment-resistant depression
How is SPRAVATO® Different?
SPRAVATO® and ketamine are chemically related but SPRAVATO® is a different version of ketamine that can be administered intranasally (through the nose) and, like intravenous ketamine (ketamine IV), can also produce rapid, effective results.
SPRAVATO® is taken with an oral antidepressant.
Ketamine and esketamine (SPRAVATO®) treat depression by working through a different mechanism than conventional antidepressants. SPRAVATO® targets what are called NMDA receptors in the brain. The exact way that SPRAVATO® works is unknown. What is known is that blocking NMDA receptors in the brain would increase levels of glutamate, the most abundant chemical messenger in the brain, and also activate AMPA receptors to release other molecules that help brain cells communicate with each other along new pathways.
Why Isn’t SPRAVATO® Available at Any Doctor’s Office?
SPRAVATO® can be administered only at specially certified treatment centers such as Ketamine Wellness Centers where staff are specifically trained to dispense and administer SPRAVATO® and carefully monitor every patient during treatment and for at least two hours after every dose.
Your Ketamine Wellness Centers care team will continue to be involved with your care during SPRAVATO® treatment and will be available to answer questions or address concerns as you undergo treatment. Ketamine Wellness centers will:
- Conduct our own assessment to confirm if SPRAVATO® may be right for you
- Verify your insurance information as part of the eligibility confirmation
- Receive your medical information from your healthcare provider
- If SPRAVATO® is recommended, Ketamine Wellness Centers’ clinicians will build a treatment plan with you
Cost and Coverage
Some of the largest insurers in the U.S. have stepped up to include coverage for SPRAVATO® treatment. Patients must meet a number of pre-authorization criteria to demonstrate medical necessity for coverage. To be sure of meeting these criteria Ketamine Wellness Centers requires that you have already been seen by your own psychiatrist. The insurance experts at Ketamine Wellness Centers are here to help you navigate the complexities of health care coverage and assist in determining your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs for SPRAVATO®. Depending on how your insurance covers SPRAVATO® the manufacturer (Janssen) has patient assistance plans that may be available to eligible patients.
How Often Will I Receive Treatment for Treatment-Resistant Depression?
Weeks 1–4: Twice weekly
Weeks 5–8: Once weekly
Weeks 9+: Once every week or two
You and your healthcare team will decide how long you stay on SPRAVATO® based on:
- How you respond to it
- How stable your response is
After eight weeks of treatment your healthcare team will determine the dosing frequency based on how you feel.
What Are the Possible Side Effects Of SPRAVATO®?
SPRAVATO® may cause serious side effects.
For Important Safety Information please visit https://www.spravato.com/important-safety-information . For more information about SPRAVATO®, please refer to the manufacturer’s Prescribing Information and Medication Guide or visit www.spravatohcp.com.
Find out if SPRAVATO®is right for you